Alabama asks Supreme Court to clear way for Republicans' redrawn voting map


Prosecutors allege SPLC funneled over $3m to sources in extremist groups but legal experts say case is weak
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges related to allegations the organization committed fraud and conspired to money launder.
The 11-count indictment filed last month accuses the civil rights organization of committing fraud in connection to a program in which it paid informants to monitor rightwing extremist groups. The program no longer exists. The investigation is being handled by the US attorney for the middle district of Alabama, which includes Montgomery, the state capital.
Continue reading...
© Photograph: Barry Lewis/In Pictures/Getty Images

© Photograph: Barry Lewis/In Pictures/Getty Images

© Photograph: Barry Lewis/In Pictures/Getty Images

Todd Blanche announces 11-count indictment over payments to informants in extremist groups including Ku Klux Klan
The Southern Poverty Law Center, the prominent civil rights organization, has been indicted on federal fraud charges related to past payments it made to confidential informants to infiltrate extremist groups including the Ku Klux Klan, the justice department has announced.
In a statement, Bryan Fair, the SPLC’s chief executive, called the allegations “false” and said the justice department’s actions “will not shake our resolve to fight for justice and ensure the promise of the civil rights movement becomes a reality for all”.
Continue reading...
© Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

© Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

© Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters